Very Good
#848 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 32% in state
Madison Early College High
High School · Madison County Schools
5734 US 25/70 Hwy, Marshall, NC 28753
Enrollment
274
Student-Teacher
27.4:1
Score
7.3
Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
274
Student-Teacher
27.4:1
Score
7.3
Grades
9th – UG
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Marshall
#2 of 4
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#50 of 579
In district
#2 of 6
Madison County Schools
Equity
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Madison Early College High
Madison Early College High serves 274 students in grades 9 through undergraduate in Marshall, North Carolina, offering a unique educational pathway that extends beyond traditional high school. With 10 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 27.4:1 student-teacher ratio while achieving impressive academic results. The school earns a strong 7.9 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating and ranks #367 out of 2,661 North Carolina schools, placing it in the 86th percentile statewide.
Students demonstrate exceptional academic performance, with 89% achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 82% meeting or exceeding standards in mathematics. These scores reflect the school's academic score of 9.3 out of 10. The early college model allows students to begin earning college credits while completing their high school education, providing an accelerated pathway to higher education.
This innovative approach serves students well in preparing them for post-secondary success. Madison Early College High is situated in Madison County's rural landscape along US 25/70 Highway, serving a community where the median household income is $57,738 and 31% of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher. The school provides educational opportunities in this scenic mountain region of western North Carolina, where families enjoy a poverty rate of just 11.2% and median home values of $212,700.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Madison Early College High is 27.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Madison Early College High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
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Madison Early College High — Students at Madison Early College High score 87% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 45%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
98.9%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 5 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 8.5/10.
How Madison Early College High Compares
See how Madison Early College High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 64.5% (2019) to 84.6% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 72% (2019) to 89.1% (2025).
Location
5734 US 25/70 Hwy, Marshall, NC 28753
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Madison Early College High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Madison High School (rated 6.4/10, 0.1 miles away), with a comparable rating. Another option is North Buncombe High (rated 5.7/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Weaverville), a more accessible option. Additionally, Erwin High (rated 3.8/10, 13.8 miles away, in nearby Asheville), a more accessible option. For more schools in Marshall, see our Marshall schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 13.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Madison High School Marshall | 0.1 mi | 6.4 |
| Madison Velocity Learning Center Marshall | 0.1 mi | — |
| Brush Creek Elementary Marshall | 2.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Madison Middle School Marshall | 2.9 mi | 7.8 |
| CHANGING HEARTS BOARDING SCHOOL Marshall | 3.7 mi | — |
| Mars Hill Elementary Mars Hill | 7.0 mi | 5.7 |
| North Buncombe Elementary Weaverville | 7.7 mi | 8.0 |
| North Buncombe High Weaverville | 8.4 mi | 5.7 |
| North Windy Ridge Intermediate Weaverville | 9.3 mi | 7.0 |
| North Buncombe Middle Weaverville | 9.5 mi | 7.3 |
| Leicester Elementary Leicester | 11.0 mi | 7.3 |
| Weaverville Primary Weaverville | 10.5 mi | 7.0 |
| Weaverville Elementary Weaverville | 10.7 mi | 7.7 |
| Hot Springs Elementary Hot Springs | 10.3 mi | 5.7 |
| ASHEVILLE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Asheville | 11.8 mi | — |
| TIMBERSONG ACADEMY Weaverville | 10.5 mi | — |
| WOLF CREEK ACADEMY Mars Hill | 12.0 mi | — |
| REYNOLDS MOUNTAIN CHRISTIAN ACADENY Asheville | 12.8 mi | 7.2 |
| FRENCH BROAD RIVER ACADEMY-BOYS Asheville | 13.2 mi | 6.1 |
| Erwin High Asheville | 13.8 mi | 3.8 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28753 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$56,172
Median Home Value
$246,700
Median Rent
$711/mo
Population
9,778
College Educated
31.4%
Homeownership
80.8%
Avg Commute
35.8 min
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Median Age
44.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Madison Early College High has a median household income of $56,172. It is an area where 31% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $246,700, with a median rent of $711/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.9%. The average commute in the area is 36 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington Wilmington, NC | 7.3 |
| PCS Early College High School Greenville, NC | 7.3 |
| Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early Coll Concord, NC | 7.2 |
| Craven Early College High New Bern, NC | 7.2 |
| Richmond Early College High Hamlet, NC | 7.2 |
| Stanly Early College High Albemarle, NC | 7.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Madison Early College High
What grades does Madison Early College High serve?
Madison Early College High serves students in grades 9th through UG.
How many students attend Madison Early College High?
Madison Early College High has an enrollment of approximately 274 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Madison Early College High?
The student-teacher ratio at Madison Early College High is 27.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Madison Early College High rank in NC?
Madison Early College High is ranked #848 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Madison Early College High's MySchoolScout rating?
Madison Early College High has a composite rating of 7.3 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Madison Early College High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Madison Early College High has 77.9% math proficiency and 80.6% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Madison Early College High a charter school?
No, Madison Early College High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Madison Early College High a Title I school?
No, Madison Early College High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Madison Early College High?
98.9% of students at Madison Early College High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – UG
- Enrollment
- 274
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 27.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 98.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Madison County
- Phone
- (828) 649-0319
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Madison County Schools- District Enrollment
- 2,130
- Schools in District
- 7
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,167
- District Rank
- #2 of 6
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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